AT MOOSE RIVER, NOVA SCOTIA poem

At Moose River, Nova Scotia

Beneath a wooden bridge the
river is swirling with activity, surface
a clutter of foamy bubbles
keeping pace with my thoughts

nest of branches creating
confusion in a southerly flow

around the bend, surging ripples
overcome an island of stone. A
squirrel skitters up a tree.

I become a child from the past-
close my eyes in a dream of fishing
alongside the bank, bait
below the surface, tug in my heart.

Etched on a plaque nearby, “In ‘36
three men entombed 141 feet below
seeking crowns of gold within
the granite, one man died.”

A mining village of aged houses
at attention aside the graveled road

peace and simplicity in this
moment, breath of whispering
in the trees

river below my feet, the laughter
of children in the wind and
family memories energize my spirit.

© Richard L. Provencher
Website: www.wsprog.com/rp/

First published January 2004
Issue 8 Ink Magazine